There has also been little or no followup on the past recipients by NTI to evaluate if the equipment purchased under this program is still being used to assist hunters in maintaining a traditional hunting lifestyle. My constituents have reported that the cost of upkeep for snowmobiles and ATVs is beyond what most of the unemployed recipients of the Hunter Support Program can afford. In many cases, if parts cannot be found or purchased, then these new machines will sit unused, be sold or gambled off. Furthermore, some equipment is not even used for hunting purposes. Mr. Speaker, the current guidelines and implementation methods of the Hunter Support Programs leave NTI with little position to regulate this. This is a wasteful use of valuable resource, which should be managed better.
Mr. Speaker, there does not appear to be any set guidelines that effectively combine the flexibility required to meet the individual needs of each community as well as ensure the integrity of the program to maintain and free of being manipulated and abused.
Mr. Speaker, an effective communication and monitoring process must be established between NTI and the communities. NTI is not actively involved in ensuring the goals of the program are being achieved and that the community allocations are being dispersed fairly, economically and to greatest benefit of each community. As a result, the implementation of this program widely varies from community to community. Mr. Speaker, is it not in the mission statement of NTI, and I quote, "to ensure the greatest possible long-term benefit to Inuit from the agreement in a way which reflects Inuit goals, social, cultural needs and tradition within Canadian society."
Mr. Speaker, I do not believe the Hunter Support Program meets this objective. It has not been developed and implemented to its fullest potential to meet our cultural and traditional needs. The promise of greatest long-term benefits to Inuit will be demonstrated when the funding for this program is managed and spent in a prudent and effective manner.
(Translation) Mr. Speaker, I commend the hamlet of Coral Harbour for voicing its concern about NTI's management of this program. Nunavut is not far away, and now is the time for the beneficiaries to begin questioning the effectiveness of NTI's program and financial management.
Mr. Speaker, I am relieved to hear that the Hunter Support Program is under review. I also urge NTI to re-evaluate all programs to ensure they fully meet the expectations of and the accountability to the Nunavut land claim beneficiaries. (Translation ends)
That Inuit have an opportunity to take part in this evaluation, because these are the programs that are meant to provide for and serve the interests of all Nunavut beneficiaries. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
--Applause